It wasn't too long ago that I was reviewing the new Samestate self-titled four track EP. That EP was a taster of what was to come with the album, 'Alignment', with a few of the tracks on the four track EP sampler now appearing on this full album.
In my review of the EP I said that the Kansas City band have "...really strong songs that are catchy with interesting compelling chords and melodies from a vocalist who has a really strong and fascinating voice". And now we get to hear more, but can this album continue where the EP... Read More It wasn't too long ago that I was reviewing the new Samestate self-titled four track EP. That EP was a taster of what was to come with the album, 'Alignment', with a few of the tracks on the four track EP sampler now appearing on this full album.
In my review of the EP I said that the Kansas City band have "...really strong songs that are catchy with interesting compelling chords and melodies from a vocalist who has a really strong and fascinating voice". And now we get to hear more, but can this album continue where the EP left off?
From listening to the album a few times, it is clear to see that the four track EP was purely a sample of better things to come. Even tracks that I previously thought were my standout tracks on the EP now sounded bigger and better on the album when played next to other bigger and better songs. If you were impressed with the pop rock sound of the EP then this album is a must have.
Opening with the atmospheric 'Realign' and it's beating drum which adds a sense of urgency, it isn't long before we are in a great chorus that even the best bands in the world would be proud of. Instead of keeping with the upbeat pop rock sound, the album quickly turns a little bit more rockier, with another catchy little number 'Sons and Daughters'. Loving the "Nah Nah Nah" bits of the album, you will understand once you hear it.
Hurricane is power rock ballad at its best. It's a song about God's love with a chorus of "Cause what did I really do, to deserve a love so true, Now all at once heads are spinning faster like a hurricane, Cause all we did was nothing but a love still came, And is bringing in good news, That love is coming back for you". You will be singing along I'm sure. The track 'Shadows' does the same thing, and I really love the line "Let go of your troubles, Break out of your chains, Sit down at the table with all the saints who came".
Everything gets a bit more raw with the track Upside Down, the beauty of this track is in the simplicity. Hearing the vocals in this state is where you can appreciate how great the vocals on the whole album are. With an honest acoustic vibe to that track, the album burst back into U2 rock style life with 'Wake Me Up'.
Every album has different styles of songs but on this album there is actually a rhythm and feel to it that keeps the flow of the whole album together. There are some truly stunning tracks on this album, I mean truly stunning, from the heartfelt raw tracks to the out and out anthems. This what Samestate are about and what a great way to be introduced to this very talented band that really know how to write a beautiful set of songs.
Review by Jono Davies
LTTM Rating 4.5 Out of 5 Stars Standout Tracks Sons And Daughters
Hurricane
Upside Down
Samestate hail from Kansas City and have just come off a tour with well known bands like Fireflight, Superchick and Hawk Nelson. With a new album coming soon, the band have given the world a sneaky peek with this four track EP…
